International Living Nicaragua

22/11/2020

The World's Best Place to Retire in 2021 is being revealed on January 1st. Which country do you think should be number 1?

Here is how we ranked the top 10 in 2020:
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For over a quarter of a century, International Living has ranked, rated & named the best places to retire in the world. Our world renowned Retirement Index looks at cost of living, healthcare, climate, fitting in, investing and so much more.

21/11/2020

Should you maintain your coverage when you move abroad? Expert Ron Elledge answers some common questions.

http://ow.ly/bbf450CqY8Q

A lot of people believe that Medicare coverage stops at the border. “Can I take my U.S. Medicare coverage with me when I move overseas?” It’s a simple...

15/01/2019

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23/11/2018

Hurry, Just Hours Left to Save… IL’s Black Friday Weekend Bookstore Sale 🤩
Our massive Black Friday weekend discounts will expire midnight tonight. You’ve almost run out of time to save 25% off everything in the IL Bookstore.

If you're ready to stop dreaming about a life full of freedom, adventure, and luxury—and start living it—then click the link for details on the best resources that can help you make it happen.

The clock is ticking. Follow this link to your savings now.👇
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23/11/2018

IL’s Black Friday Weekend Bookstore Sale Now On…
This Black Friday weekend we're handing out thousands of dollars in discounts on the IL Bookstore.
Until midnight Sunday…you get 25% off everything in the IL Bookstore.

Our best resources offer you ways to discover easy-going Caribbean havens with inexpensive beach property…the secrets to getting a second passport…how to speak Spanish in 20 minutes…where to find the most generous program of retiree benefits in the world, and more.

The clock is ticking🕛.
Follow this link to your savings now 👇
https://www.ilbookstore.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-organic&utm_content=bookstore&utm_campaign=facebook-thanksgiving-3

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16/11/2018

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30/07/2018

Expat gatherings are often unique experiences. The calls of howler monkeys in the nearby trees are a very Nicaraguan addition to a live classical violin performance on the slopes of Volcan Mombacho at a recent get together. Though the weather was hazy, the view is looking over Granada, Las Isletas, and Lake Nicaragua.

26/07/2018

No day is ever the same in Nicaragua. Some days you wake up to strange guests at your house...and not necessarily of the human kind. A few days ago, this lovely family came to visit.......they just wanted some grass....I was happy to oblige.

20/07/2018

After being away for a week, the garden needed some harvesting. We picked 28 of the largest pipian (squash) many of our expat and Nicaraguan friends and neighbors had ever seen! We were thrilled to share them with many people, and have been enjoying them in many ways...muffins, bread, spaghetti squash, and grilled...so far!

18/07/2018

Each year on July 16th, the people of San Juan del Sur pay tribute to their Patron Saint of fishermen and sailors, the Virgin Carmen. This year the festival was dedicated to the divers, who brave the deep water and the associated risks to bring seafood to the port. The event starts at the church where the community follows the statue of the virgin as it is carried to the sea. There, everyone who wants to, boards pangas and other boats and get into a procession behind the big boat carrying Carmen. While the mass at the beginning of this festival is solemn, the boat parade often has music, beer, rum, and a lot of fun. It depends what boat you take. This is one of the most beautiful events I've seen in Nicaragua.

05/07/2018

One of the most beautiful days I've ever seen. In the midst of unrest in other parts of Nicaragua, MIL COLORES, a not-for-profit organization in San Juan del Sur dedicated to the arts, presented their annual art fair for kids on June 30th. Parents were thrilled to have a wonderful day planned for their children at this FREE event for the community where 9 different mini-art classes provided endless fun and happiness for the kids. A talented clown and DJ added to the ambience. Just take a look at the smiles on these faces to see that there can be moments of "alegria" (happiness) during trying times.

03/07/2018

The green season is in full swing, with several rains each week. The landscape is lush, and gardens are producing. Being our first green season on our property, we're growing several local varieties of vegetables and fruits and experimenting to see which of our seeds from our former home in the USA will grow here. We should have enough for our own use, plus have plenty to share with Nicaraguan friends and other expats.

29/06/2018

Each city in Nicaragua celebrates its Patron Saint once a year. Usually the celebrations last longer than one day and this year was no exception. Despite the unrest occurring in pockets of Nicaragua, Nicaraguans in San Juan del Sur enjoyed paying tribute to St. John the Baptist on the last night of the festivities - an all-night cultural street event featuring music, folkloric dancing, introduction of King and Queen of the festival candidates, and more. Artisans from around the country sold their wares as well. It is important to Nicaraguan people to maintain their religious festivals in trying times and to keep life as normal as possible, especially for the children.

23/06/2018

Behind this bowl of delicious ceviche is a story. Due to the current situation in the country, many businesses in Granada which are dependent upon the tourism industry have been forced to close, at least temporarily. A young man who previously worked at a now-closed restaurant makes excellent ceviche. An expat who knows this man sent out a notice to the Granada expat community, to see if anyone was interested in buying ceviche to help support this proud man and his family. The response was overwhelming, and in the past few weeks many expats have enjoyed his wonderful ceviche while helping him provide for his family. This is but one small example, of which there are undoubtedly many more, of how we can make a difference.

21/06/2018

Nicaraguans are very creative at gardening and are more than happy to teach expats new ways to have vibrant gardens. Because of the tropical climate, if you plant vegetables in the ground, you run into all sorts of problems with critters getting to your plants before they even get started. Dogs and cats also like digging up new plants. Here are two creative and economical ways to have a backyard garden for vegetables and herbs in Nicaragua. Do any of you use these methods where you live?

15/06/2018

International Living has been covering Nicaragua for over 20 years, introducing this wonderful country to many people from around the world, and likely playing a part in the decision of many of the expats who have moved to Nicaragua over the years. IL enjoys sharing information on Nicaragua because people are interested in the country's diverse landscapes, colonial cities, relatively modern infrastructure, low cost of living, interesting culture, and—importantly—the Nicaraguan people who have warmly welcomed foreigners as visitors and part- and full-time residents.

IL seeks to provide an expat's perspective on what it is like to live in Nicaragua…even under the current circumstances. Many expats happily call the country home, and many more people around the world remain interested in Nicaragua as a potential future travel destination or home.

IL recognizes that there are serious struggles ongoing in Nicaragua at the moment, and wishes for things to be resolved peacefully as soon as possible. However, IL's correspondents in Nicaragua are legal residents of the country, and by Nicaraguan law foreigners are prohibited from engaging in any fashion in politics in Nicaragua. IL encourages those interested in current events in Nicaragua to seek news from reputable sources. There are many you can find online.

Posts and/or comments that are overtly hostile, confrontational, or blatantly political in nature will be removed.

14/06/2018

Yesterday a friend and I went to the Emerald Coast, to check this up-and-coming beach area. Located on a long stretch of coastline that ranges from Tola up to El Astillero, the area includes familiar beaches Gigante and Popoyo. As a result of the unrest, some businesses have closed temporarily, but we had a great lunch at Magnific Rock, which was filled with young tourists - surfers and yoga enthusiasts. Had great and unique fish tacos and met the owner, David, who showed us some places to stay and some great real estate. You can buy lots in this area anywhere from $10,000 up to $60,000 (ocean front). Constructing a house will cost you beetween $25 to $100 a square foot, depending on the amenities and adornments you want to have. Popoyo is about a 2-hour drive from San Juan del Sur, the lively beach town close to the Costa Rica border. Everything was clear sailing, no problems. When we got back home, I made sure I filled up on diesel fuel for my truck, since during these times sometimes gas is scarce. While Nicaragua is in transition, these beach areas are far from the particular cities where the unrest is taking place. Ah Nicaragua, we still love you.

01/06/2018

Many people wonder what they will do when they move to Nicaragua. The great thing about this country is that if you can't find what you usually like to do here, you can start it. Like a book club, painting classes, deep sea fishing charters, etc. After learning that school children no longer have any art instruction in their schools, a group of expats got together with a group of Nicaraguans in San Juan del Sur and started an ART NGO called MIL COLORES. This group hosts art events to raise funds to give free art classes to the children of San Juan del Sur. In the lowest of low seasons, last Tuesday night we showcased art from the kids of the city at Tree Casa resort and the place was full! The kids were thrilled to be honored for their art, the parents were proud, and everyone else had a fun and enchanting evening. You can do anything you want in Nicaragua, especially if it helps the community.

27/05/2018

Near Granada and the Laguna de Apoyo, you will find several small communities referred to as the Pueblas Blancas (White Villages). Each has a artisan specialty, and they are fascinating to visit. One of these is San Juan de Oriente, which has a long history of producing beautiful ceramic pieces. There are many shops to visit and you can even see these works being produced at some of the workshops, operated by families for many generations. Have you been to San Juan de Oriente to furnish your home or to buy a souvenir from your visit to Nicaragua?

23/05/2018

Drive down any of the roads on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and you are sure to find surprises, like I did yesterday. With Playa Coco as the destination (one of my favorite beaches), I was shocked to see a large complex of thatched roof buildings on top of a hill that was not there last time I visited this area. Sure enough, it was a brand new place to stay and eat: Tortugas Hostal. Perched on a cliff with a huge ocean view, this beautiful and tranquil eco-friendly lodge is sure to relax you and take away any stress. Private room is $60 a night, shared rooms are less. Location - priceless.

22/05/2018

“When we’re gazing out at the sunset over the Pacific from our Day Beach Resort here in Salinas Grandes, Nicaragua, about 12 miles from León, it’s hard to recall all the steps that brought us here...

“When we’re gazing out at the sunset over the Pacific from our Day Beach Resort here in Salinas Grandes, Nicaragua, about 12 miles from León, it’s hard to recall all the steps that brought us here. We just kept moving forward, step by step, until we arrived,” says Christian Rodrigue.

22/05/2018

Nicaragua opened up a whole new world for Paul, Marisa, their two kids Owen, 11, and Abigail, 8, and their three dogs…not least in slashing their cost of living...

Since arriving in the beach town of San Juan del Sur last year, Marisa Francis has come to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. She loves riding bikes with..

22/05/2018

Nicaragua’s lower cost of living does not mean you have to sacrifice the quality of life you have been accustomed to in the U.S. or Canada. Many live comfortably on $1,200 a month for a couple. Spend $2,000 and you’re living in high style. A single person can live very well on much less.

Cost of Living in Nicaragua; Nicaragua’s lower cost of living does not mean you have to sacrifice the quality of life you have been accustomed to in the...

22/05/2018

An Overview of Traditions and Culture in Nicaragua...

When you move to a new country, especially where a different language is spoken, you have two choices. Choose to try to replicate the life you had in your home country, surrounding yourself with other expats, live in a gated community and not get involved with the local people. Or embrace the change...

21/05/2018

The Amazing Rancho Santana ❤️ - https://ranchosantana.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=il-friends

An epic day in front of the clubhouse. Thanks for sharing Northatlanticcollective.

17/05/2018

Nicaragua has so many trees, plants and flowers that I've never seen before. Even in my backyard and patio I have fascinating flora that I've collected on hiking trips into the dense forests and jungles. Maybe you can help me out. I don't know if they are orchids (which the Nicas tell me) or bromeliads or something else. But one day you wake up and they have sprouted several interesting formations in sometimes bright, sometimes muted colors. The flowers don't last very long, but they are gorgeous. Here are my plants. Unfortunately they are not blooming right now because it is the end of the dry season. I'll post again when the flowers come out. Does anyone know what these plants are?

15/05/2018

Nicaragua has the dry season, the "green" season, and all year long has baseball season. Unlike many countries in Latin America, Nicaragua's national pastime is baseball (not futbol, or soccer as many know it). All across the country, you will find games, ranging from youngsters playing little league to amateur teams in every department to neighborhood pick up games to the four-team professional league. Also, Nicaragua's national team has enjoyed success on the world stage, recently winning the gold medal in the Central American games and participating in the World Baseball Classic. Whether you are visiting Nicaragua or if you live here, a day or evening at the ballpark is a fun and unique experience.

10/05/2018

One of the things I love about Nicaragua is that it is proud of its culture and strives to preserve it. Each Thursday night you can enjoy folklore dancing for free at El Timon restaurant in San Juan del Sur. Watch young people dance in full colorful costumes to their traditional songs. A treat for your eyes and your camera. After the show, get up and dance yourself to the sound of rhythmic marimba music. Has anyone seen this show?

19/04/2018

Times they are a changin' in San Juan del Sur! A recent announcement by the Vice Mayor and the Prensa newspaper stated that over $220 million dollars will be invested in this beautiful beach town on the Pacific Coast within the next four years. One sign of change is a new fine-dining (and the only air-conditioned) restaurant on the beach in San Juan del Sur called The Black Pearl. This new place to eat prides itself on its "healthy food with nothing fried." No smoking inside (also new!) but you can buy their signature Nicaraguan ci**rs to enjoy on the outside deck while watching the sunset. And check out the jazz and soft rock on the weekends. Yes, times are definitely changing here in SJDS!

07/04/2018

While Nicaragua is one of the most economical places in the world to live, it also has the most expensive island to visit. Take a look at this place! We always say you can choose ANY lifestyle in Nicaragua and it is certainly true. I was very surprised to find this. And no, I haven't visited.....and won't. Just shows that Nicaragua is taking all levels of tourism seriously.

THIS could be the most expensive holiday package in the world.